Affording Greek Life: Scholarship Opportunities

If you’re struggling to pay for your fraternity dues, one of the best options is to look into scholarships and grants offered by the organization. These scholarships and grants are generally offered by Greek organizations that have national or international groups.

Many of our University of Florida Greek organizations offer scholarships to both members and non-members. Also, don’t forget to apply to those scholarships given away by outside companies – many of these scholarships don’t have a lot of applicants, so your chances of winning the award may be higher than you think.

Check with the leadership of your chapter to find out more about what is available through the organization itself. Some of the grants and scholarships you’ll find through sororities and fraternities are need-based while others are merit-based.

Here are just a few examples of each of these scholarships. Find out what is required and what the money covers before you jump into applying for these awards.

For Members:

Phi Gamma Delta offers $1000 scholarships for members with financial need as well as those who exemplify the ideals of their fraternity. Eligible applicants must have a 3.0 or greater GPA.

Pi Kappa Alpha is in control of the Pike Endowment Fund, a pool they encourage members to contribute to and take from. The money in this account is used to provide leadership training and scholarships to members. There are multiple scholarships based on location, subject major, and need. Although some information is found online, applicants are encouraged to contact their local chapter or a representative at the Pike Foundation.

Membership Not Required:

Alpha Phi Alpha grants awards to its chapters and encourages them to offer scholarships as well. For example, the Beta Lambda Chapter offers $1000 to high school graduates heading to college.

Delta Tau Delta offers $500 book awards via the Committed to Lives of Excellence Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded annually to five applicants. Other scholarships are available through the Delts, as well. Check their website for more information.

Fundera.com offers a $2,000 scholarship each year for the best video submissions on different business topics. This year the topic is “Imagine you’ve just started up a small business in your hometown. How do you strategically grow your business without spending much money?” Just publish a video to your YouTube channel and get awarded for your creativity.

Burger King offers their own Scholars Program, giving out fifty $1,000 scholarships each year. Created in memory of Burger King Co-founder James “Jim” W. McLamore, the Burger King Scholars program has awarded $25.3 million in scholarships to more than 24,000 high school students, BK employees and their families across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico since 2000. Students must have a strong academic record with a minimum 2.5 GPA and be passionate about serving the community.

These are just a few examples of the plethora of opportunities available to help you afford education and Greek life. If you get out and apply to a few, you never know! Joining one of our great organizations may be easier to afford than you think.